Crews tie up when they finish their work, whether at the far terminal, at home or out on the line where they died on the law. The tie-up time starts the clock on mandatory rest and decides pay, so it is recorded to the minute and reported to crew management. Tied up at the away terminal means a hotel room and a wait before the trip home.
We'll yard it on 3, cut away from the train and tie up at the depot, my rest starts at 2215.
Also heard as
- tie-up
- go off duty
Do not mix it up with
- Tie down: Tying down secures cars with hand brakes; tying up ends the crew's shift.
Related terms
Hours of service
The federal limit on how long train and engine crews may stay on duty before mandatory rest.
Dead on the law
Out of legal working hours under the hours of service rule, and required to stop work wherever the train sits.
Call
The notice telling a crew member when and where to report for duty.
Deadhead
To travel as a passenger to or from an assignment, paid but not working the train.